Alcohol and Drugs
"It
is estimated that a third of all property crime is related to drugs and around three
quarters of crack cocaine and Heroin users admit committing crime to feed their
habit" Source: Home Office
Most people are aware that drinking in excess and drugs can damage their health, but there is also a clear link between these and certain types of crime, such as driving under the influence, or anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
There are also indirect links to crime. Alcohol and drugs may create the sort of unhappy family from which children are more likely to turn to crime. They may also be a contributing factor to a case of domestic violence.
Many people enjoy alcohol socially and most do so sensibly. Drugs however, are illegal and can be extremely dangerous.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence to:
- Unlawfully possess a controlled substance
- Possess a controlled substance with the intent to supply it
- Supply or offer to supply a controlled drug
- Allow a property to be used by people taking drugs
Drugs and penalties
| Class | Name | Possession | Possession with intent to supply |
| A | Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Magic Mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injections) | 7 years in prison and/or unlimited fine | Life imprisonment and/or unlimited fine |
| B | Cannabis, Amphetamines, Codeine, Barbiturates | 5 years in prison and/or unlimited fine | 14 years in prison and/or unlimited fine |
| C | Tranquilisers, most anabolic steroids, GBH | 2 years in prison and/or unlimited fine | 14 years in prison and/or unlimited fine |
Drugs and young people
If a child or young
person takes illegal drugs, it can lead to problems at school, health problems and
crime. They may steal, for example, from family and friends to get money to pay
for their habit. And while feeling 'high' they may be tempted by crimes like car-theft,
'joy-riding' or more serious offences.
If your child is taking drugs, you may notice the following changes in their behaviour;
- Sudden mood swings,
- Bad temper and aggressiveness,
- Loss of appetite,
- Loss of interest in sports, hobbies, schoolwork or friends,
- Needing more sleep.
Other more obvious signs might include:
- Money and property disappear,
- Smells, stains or marks on their body or clothes,
- Powders, tablets, burnt tinfoil or needles in their possession.
If your child is taking drugs, the dangers are from accidents while intoxicated, accidental overdose or becoming addicted. Drugs also have side-effects which include hallucinations, mental and emotional disorders, infections, sores, blood poisoning, and other illnesses. Drugs can also be fatal.
If you think your child is taking drugs, you can seek help through one of the links provided on the right.
Solvents
Solvents are found in products like aerosols, glue, lighter fuel, paint and petrol. When their vapours are inhaled, they produce a similar effect to alcohol.
But sniffing these vapours can depress the bodily functions like breathing and heart rate, and can cause disorientation and unconsciousness. Solvent sniffers can lose control of their behaviour, and become more reckless and less able to deal with danger.
Solvent abuse can cause death through suffocation, or from fright or exertion through the effect it has on the heart. Someone who has sniffed until they are unconscious can die through choking on their own vomit.
What we are doing to tackle drugs
Surrey Police is working to reduce drug crime by supporting the Government's 2008
- 2018 National Drug Strategy. The plan aims to restrict the supply of illegal drugs
and reduce the demand for them by;
a. Protecting communities through tackling drug supply, drug related crime and ASB
b. Preventing harm to children, young people and families affected by drug misuse
c. Delivering new approaches to drug treatment and social re-integration
d. Public information campaigns, communications and community engagement
Together with the Surrey Drugs and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) we work to reduce the use of illegal drugs and rehabilitate drug users, thus helping to reduce drug-related crime.
How you can help
If you are concerned about drug use or drug dealing in your area, contact Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers (if you wish to stay anonymous) on 0800 555 111.
Useful Links
If you'd like further information on or help with drugs or alcohol, please check out some of the links below:
Crime prevention and safety leaflets
Download our new easy to read leaflets for advice on reducing vehicle crime, personal safety, anti-social behaviour and more.